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Thirsty cars face new toll in road pricing scheme

GAS-GUZZLING cars that take up the most space on roads ought to be charged more than smaller, more fuel-efficient ones under a national road-pricing scheme, says a report commissioned by the government.

Researchers at Leeds University also believe higher tariffs should be imposed on parents taking their children to school and on motorists using busy holiday routes during summer weekends.

The findings emerged as an influential committee of MPs called on the government to charge higher levels of vehicle excise duty (VED) — road tax — on the most polluting cars, including 4x4 vehicles.

In a separate report published today, the Commons transport committee urges ministers to do more to support the development and manufacture of cleaner and safer cars, including offering more grants to encourage drivers to switch to low-emission vehicles.

The Leeds recommendations form part of a study ordered by Alistair Darling, the transport secretary, to lay down a framework